Leadership is complex.  Given the ever-changing global landscape, as well as the exploration of uncharted territories and new markets, leadership today can seem overwhelming.  I’d argue, however, that there are simple nuances which have the potential to make a positive and significant impact on our leadership approach.

One such nuance is embracing the beauty of “and.”  Effective leaders build and guide healthy organizations and teams.  As part of that responsibility, our ability to communicate in a way that inspires and motivates others becomes significant.  However, many of our attempts to communicate are plagued by two simple conjunctions that the dictionary tell us mean nearly the same thing – “but” and “and.”

Recently, I’ve made a concentrated effort to focus on using the word “and” instead of “but;” and, it has made all the difference.  Consciously choosing “and” has fostered  healthier communications with others.

Here is a simple example showcasing the power that lies in the choice:

• You did an excellent job on that project, and it took a little longer than was anticipated.
• You did an excellent job on that project, but it took a little longer than was anticipated.

In the first sentence, the use of “and” acknowledges and appreciates a job well done on the project.  With the use of “but” in the second sentence, however, the job well done is now discounted versus appreciated.

All things considered, if we want to inspire and motivate others as leaders, we must be careful with the words we choose.  In this case, the difference between two conjunctions is a compelling one.